5.11.2010

Family Time Fun Dinner Games Review

Before Lincoln was born, and even when he was younger, we would eat our meals in the living room, with us eating on t.v. trays, and Lincoln in his highchair. As he got older, we began to see his eating was affected by our eating habits. If we got up, he figured he was done eating as well, even if he had barely touched his meal. we also didn't take advantage of meals being family time, as we were all engrossed in whatever was on t.v. at the time. So a few months ago we decided to make a change, and eat our meals at the table, together. I can honestly say it has made meal time more enjoyable, as we actually talk and enjoy each others company!! 
I recently discovered a company that truly understands the importance of family meals.

From the Family Time Fun website:
Spending fun, quality time with your family is more challenging everyday. Soccer practice, homework, weekend errands, office work...all seem to get in the way of a family enjoying each other's company.
As a father of two young children, I had the same problem and wanted to find a solution. So I decided to take advantage of the few evenings a week that I had dinner at home with my wife and kids. We started playing word games at the dinner table while we ate.
We quickly discovered that these simple games added extra fun to dinner, opened everyone up to conversation (even the kids), and extended our time together by 10 to 15 minutes. As the weeks went by, we realized that we were enjoying more quality time together, without even trying.
I'm happy to share these games with your family. Some of the games are educational, some are silly, some help start good conversation, but all of them are fun for the whole family. Hopefully you'll discover the same wholesome family fun that my family has.
What a great idea!! John, the creator of Family Fun Time, has come up with several great games to not only teach your kids, but to also help them to enjoy meal times. 
I have the Beginner Dinner Games that includes 51 games to help your child keep focused on their meal.
Here is a sample of one of the fun games in the beginner pack:


These games are a sure way to make the members of your family WANT to have family dinner time! 
There are not many things better for a family than to simply have meals together. Families, especially kids, benefit enormously from frequent positive family meals:
  1. Improves family communication
  2. Improves nutrition and eating habits
  3. Improves literacy development among preschoolers
  4. Develops a protective factor for adolescents against tobacco, alcohol, drugs and low grade point averages
Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine 2004 Study: "Correlations between family meals and psychosocial well-being among adolescents."
The more meals your family has together, the more you'll enjoy these amazing benefits! And remember, keep the meals positive, lighthearted and fun.
More specifically, according to research by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University, children and teens who have frequent family meals:
  • Are at half the risk for substance abuse compared to teens who dine with their families infrequently
  • Are less likely to have friends or classmates who use illicit drugs or abuse prescription drugs
  • Have lower levels of tension and stress at home
  • Are more likely to say that their parents are proud of them
  • Are likelier to say they can confide in their parents
  • Are likelier to get better grades in school
  • Are more likely to be emotionally content and have positive peer relationships
  • Have healthier eating habits
  • Are at lower risk for thoughts of suicide
  • Are less likely to try marijuana or have friends who use marijuana
    Get your Family Fun Time fun games here, and check them out on Facebook

4 comments:

Raising Able: How chores empower children said...

I like that you care about family dinner. Doing the games goes the extra mile, which isn't always necessary.

Just spending time together is VITAL. keep it up.

Alicia said...

i love this! we are BIG on having dinner and family time together. its a must. but this is great for people with small kids...so neat doll face! hugs!!

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